In Memoriam
With gratitude to Willy Naessens & Tony De Pauw
Belgium has lost two industry pioneers. With the passing of Willy Naessens and Tony De Pauw, the real estate and construction world says goodbye to leaders who combined entrepreneurial courage with human values.
Builders of companies and vision
Willy Naessens expanded a modest barn-building activity into a diversified industrial group. His name became synonymous with prefab construction, scale, and innovation. Tony De Pauw steered WDP (Warehouses De Pauw) into a listed European reference in logistics real estate. As co-CEO and reference shareholder, he built on the family legacy and turned it into a professionalised, growth-oriented platform.
Local roots, international reach
Both men stayed loyal to their home regions. Naessens to the Flemish Ardennes, where the group remains anchored. De Pauw to Kobbegem, where he lived and worked. Yet their impact travelled far beyond Belgium, with projects that set standards in European markets.
A human approach
Despite their success, both were known for their accessibility. Willy Naessens inspired loyalty and gave back generously to sports and social initiatives. He was also approachable on a personal level: even during international gatherings such as MIPIM, his openness and humor left a lasting impression.
Jo Van Moer, CEO of Van Moer Logistics, shared the following words in remembrance:
“With Willy and Tony, Belgium has lost two exceptional entrepreneurs. I had the honour of knowing them both personally: each with their own style, but both driven and humane. Willy was like a second father to me, Tony was much more than just a partner.”
“Both showed that entrepreneurship does not have to be at odds with simplicity or connectedness. That you can grow rapidly while remaining true to yourself and human values. Their legacy lies not only in buildings or results, but in how they inspired people and partners to think bigger and act with integrity.”
“Their legacy lies not only in buildings or results, but in how they inspired people and partners”
“Both showed that entrepreneurship does not have to be at odds with simplicity or connectedness. That you can grow rapidly while remaining true to yourself and human values. Their legacy lies not only in buildings or results, but in how they inspired people and partners to think bigger and act with integrity.”